Important Questions Test: The Living Organisms - Characteristics & Habitats - UPSC MCQ

Presence of specific features or certain habits, which enable an organism to live naturally in a place is called adaptation. Adaptation of organisms differ depending on their place of dwelling. That is why a fish cannot live out of water and camel cannot live in sea. 

The organism is not an abiotic component of the ecosystem.  Resources that are non-living are abiotic resources such as soil, water and air These resources fall under the broader category of natural resources that exist naturally in the world and are not man-made.

Aquatic animals use gills for respiration. The gills absorb oxygen from the air dissolved in water.

Streamlined body to help them move easily in water  and gills to help them use oxygen dissolved in water.

Statement B is true. Respiration is a biological process where living organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. This process occurs in the cells and is essential for life because it provides the energy necessary for cellular functions.
Explanation for other options:
 A: Organisms obtain energy primarily from food, not air.
 C: Fish breathe through gills, not their skin.
 D: Earthworms use their skin for gas exchange, not gills..

The Process of getting rid of wastes by organisms is known as excretion. This charactristic is common to all organisms.

Decomposition is a process that occurs after the death of an organism and is not a characteristic of living things. Living things exhibit characteristics such as growth, respiration, and reproduction, which are absent in non-living entities.

The correct answer is C) Slippery scales.

• Fish have slippery scales on their bodies, which help them move smoothly through the water.
• The scales protect the fish and reduce friction, allowing them to swim easily.

Other options like large wings, strong legs, and long neck are not features found in fish that help them swim in water.

Terrestrial habitats are those that are found on land, rather than in water or the air.
A: Ocean - The ocean is a large body of saltwater that covers a significant portion of the Earth's surface. It is not a terrestrial habitat because it is a water habitat.
B: Soil -Soil is the upper layer of Earth's crust that supports plant growth. It is a terrestrial habitat as it is found on land.
C: Tree - A tree is a tall plant with a trunk and branches. While trees grow on land, they are not considered terrestrial habitats themselves. However, they do provide habitats for other organisms.
D: Desert - A desert is a dry, barren area that receives little rainfall. It is a terrestrial habitat as it is found on land.
Hence the correct answer is A: Ocean as it is not a terrestrial habitat.

Primary function of scales on fishes is to protect themselves from predators and also help in easy movement through water.

Correct Answer- Option C

• Animals that have gills: Squid, Octopus and Fish
• Animals that do not have gills: Dolphin, they breathe in air through nostrils or blowholes that are located on the upper parts of their heads.

Correct Answer- Option A

• Yaks have thick hair on their bodies, which helps keep them warm in cold environments.
• The other options (feathers, scales, and shells) are not found on yaks and do not help them stay warm.

Correct Answer- Option A

• Abiotic components refer to the non-living elements in an ecosystem.
•  They are essential for the survival and functioning of living organisms.
•  Sunlight, water, and air are considered abiotic components because they are non-living and form the basic necessities for life.

The leaves of mimosa commonly known as touch- me-not plant fold up quickly when touched with a hand. This is an example of response of plants towards changes in their surroundings.

• Cactus plants are adapted to survive in harsh, dry conditions with minimal water.
•  Deserts provide these conditions, characterized by limited rainfall and high temperatures.
•  Cacti have specialized features like thick, fleshy stems to store water ,waxy coating and deep roots which help them to survive in deserts.

Therefore, the correct answer is D: deserts.